About the LABID
Meet Our Team
The LABID Executive Board is a group of volunteers dedicated to the Lakeshore Business District. Are you interested in joining our team? For more information please join us at one of our monthly meetings or email Racheal at racheal@lakeshoreavenue.com
Kelsey Heath
President, 2025-2026
Kelsey Heath is a proud Oakland resident and third-generation LABID board member, following in the footsteps of her grandfather who was a founding member of the organization. Born and raised in the East Bay with a background in real estate and marketing, she brings both deep community roots and extensive business experience to her role as President.
Kelsey joined the board because she believes in the power of community to transform cities. She’s passionate about supporting local businesses while fostering the neighborhood bonds that make Oakland special. For her, serving on the board is both an honor to her family’s legacy and a chance to help build a safer, stronger, more connected Oakland.
Phing Yamamoto
Vice President, 2025-2026
Phing is the manager of Colonial Donuts, a beloved family-owned shop on Oakland’s Lakeshore Avenue. A 24-hour mainstay and true Oakland institution, Colonial Donuts has been serving the neighborhood for over 50 years.
After a career at Apple Inc. in Product Marketing and Real Estate Finance, Phing returned in 2017 to join the family business—trading Apple Inc. for apple fritters and a deeper connection to her community.
Now serving on the Lakeshore Avenue BID board, Phing’s mission is to advocate for a neighborhood that is vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable—where small businesses are supported, long-time residents are valued, and collaborative solutions are pursued for citywide challenges like homelessness and rising costs that impact all Oakland businesses.
Marissa Betts
Secretary, 2025 - 2026
Marissa Betts has deep roots in the Lakeshore community. Her family—Ken and Carla Betts—have owned and operated Ken Betts Service Center on Lakeshore Avenue since 1982, as well as the building that formerly housed Baskin-Robbins, embedding their presence in the neighborhood for generations.
Marissa’s personal history in Lakeshore is lifelong, shaped by memories of wearing all-GAP in elementary school, attending Easter and Halloween parades, grabbing Colonial Donuts after sports games, and even buying her first car in high school—one she still brings to the family shop today.
After returning to Oakland in 2020, Marissa felt called to give back to the community that raised her. She is committed to thoughtful, inclusive growth that preserves the unique character and spirit of the neighborhood. Whether supporting local businesses, improving public spaces, or fostering vibrant community events, Marissa is dedicated to ensuring that Lakeshore thrives for everyone.
This is more than just a neighborhood to her—it’s home, and she is fully invested in its future.
Terri Ellis
Treasurer, 2025- 2026
Terri Ellis brings more than 30 years of real estate, finance, and organizational leadership
experience to the Lakeshore Avenue Business Improvement District. As LABID’s Treasurer,
she oversees financial stewardship, budgeting, and long-range planning to support a clean,
safe, and thriving commercial corridor.
Terri has an extensive background managing commercial and mixed-use properties, leading
mortgage operations, and supporting large-scale business initiatives. Her commitment to
community service runs deep—she has served as Treasurer for multiple nonprofits,
including Grass Valley Rotary, Habitat for Humanity, the Elks of Grass Valley, the Youth
Soccer League, and Animal Save.
Terri is known for her integrity, fiscal discipline, and collaborative approach to problem-
solving. Outside of her professional and volunteer roles, she enjoys spending time with
family and her partner, hiking, reading, skiing, boating, and gardening.
Barry Gilbert
Member at Large, 2025 - 2026
Barry is a founding member of the Lakeshore Business Improvement District (BID) and has played an integral role in its growth and success since its inception. Over the years, he has served the board in numerous capacities, bringing leadership, vision, and a deep commitment to the vitality of the Lakeshore community.
With a strong passion for local history and preservation, Barry now serves as a Member at Large, where he contributes his extensive historian expertise to help guide the BID’s initiatives with a strong sense of place and continuity. His knowledge of the district’s cultural and commercial evolution has proven invaluable in shaping policies that honor the past while planning for a vibrant future.
Barry remains a dedicated advocate for local businesses and continues to be a respected voice in efforts to maintain the unique character of the Lakeshore district.
Other Members of the Board & Staff
Get to know the talented individuals behind the LABID
James Breeden
Neighborhood Representative
2024 – 2026
Joe Hawkins
Merchant Representative
2024 – 2026
Position Available
Merchant Representative
Please reach out to Racheal if interested in filling this role!
Carol Knight – Co-Director
Carol is a former owner of Silver Lining Jewelry on Lakeshore Avenue and brings decades of firsthand small business experience to the district. As a founding member of the Lakeshore BID in the 1990s, she offers deep institutional knowledge of the avenue. Today, Carol serves as the liaison between local business owners and the BID, visiting merchants weekly to check in, build connections, and ensure their voices are represented at BID meetings.
Abebe Lemma – Security Captain
Abebe has been with the LABID Security Team for nearly 20 years. Abebe brings a strong knowledge of Lakeshore Avenue and works hand in hand with Oakland PD to keep the neighborhood safe. Abebe can be found patrolling the District from 10 am – 6 pm Monday through Saturday.
Racheal Scott
Racheal spent most Saturdays growing up on Lakeshore, participating in avenue events from a young age—including taking first place in her age group more than once in the Easter Derby Hat Parade. She has worked in a variety of Lakeshore Avenue businesses before semi-retiring to raise her four children. Racheal has since returned to the avenue as the Social Media Director and Event Coordinator, and also serves as the community representative to the BID. She is available via email or social media to address questions, concerns, or feedback from the community.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
The Lakeshore Avenue Business Improvement District Board of Directors convenes monthly on the third Monday. Our meetings focus on key topics such as security, community activities, and clean-up initiatives. Stay informed by joining our mailing list for updates on meeting agendas, locations, and past minutes.
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